A parent’s guide to athlete mentorship

Athletes Mentors editorial guide · October 26, 2026

A good match starts with the young athlete’s voice. Ask what they want help with before choosing a mentor or buying a program.

Before the first meeting

• Ask how mentors are screened, trained, and supervised.
• Request the written conduct and reporting policies.
• Agree on approved communication channels and parent visibility.
• Find out who handles complaints, rematching, and refunds.
• Explain to your child that they can stop a conversation that feels uncomfortable.

Keep interactions visible

The U.S. Center for SafeSport describes observable and interruptible contact within the scope of its minor-athlete policies, subject to stated exceptions. Ask a program which policies apply to it. For any youth arrangement, establish clear supervision and communication expectations before meetings start.

Do not treat a famous name or background check as a complete safety system. Ask how the program monitors contact and responds to concerns over time.

Support without taking over

Let your child bring the first question. After a session, ask “Did you feel heard?” and “Is there anything you want help with?” Avoid turning every conversation into a performance review. Agree in advance what mentors share with parents and the limits of confidentiality.

Signs to pause the relationship

Requests for secrecy from parents, private communication that breaks agreed rules, humiliation, pressure to buy more, and guaranteed scholarships deserve immediate attention. End contact if needed and follow the relevant program’s reporting process. A child does not need to prove a concern before you listen.

Source

U.S. Center for SafeSport: making one-on-one interactions safer. This resource explains its policy context; it is not a claim that every independent mentoring service is subject to the same rules.